Sorrento Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: SRNE, “Sorrento”) and Sorrento Mexico today announced that COFEPRIS has given EUA approval to Sorrento Mexico to import, market and distribute COVISTIX tests directly in Mexico. COVISTIX is a sensitive platinum colloid-based lateral-flow rapid antigen test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection, including Omicron and Delta variants of concern.
Mexico passed 300,000 test-confirmed coronavirus deaths last week, however, so little testing is done in the country of 126 million that a government review of death certificates puts the real toll at almost 460,000. The virus infection spike was largely responsible for the cancelation of 260 flights between Jan. 6 and Jan. 10, as airline employees got infected and had to isolate, causing staff shortages. “The situation in Mexico is quite serious, and Sorrento and Sorrento Mexico are doing everything we can to increase testing capacity for the people of Mexico,” said Dr. Henry Ji, President and CEO of Sorrento.
Following receipt of the EUA approval and on January 20, 2022, Sorrento Mexico has placed directly to Sorrento, a purchase order (PO) for 10 million COVISTIX tests to be delivered in February. Sorrento Mexico anticipates the current demand for COVISTIX testing in Mexico is far exceeding the current order.
